Botanical Name: Ulmus rubra

Status: Wildcrafted

Slippery Elm can be consumed as a nutritional food. Contains Vitamins E, K,P and the Minerals iron, sodium, calcium, selenium, iodine, copper, zinc, some potassium and phosphorus.

A pleasant tasting high fibre 'gruel' or porridge made by adding water to the bark was traditionally used as both a food and a medicine by First Nations peoples, and later by European colonists. 4g of slippery elm powder to 500ml of warm water.

Slippery elm inner bark is very rich in mucilage, a complex mixture of polysaccharides that form a soothing gelatinous fiber when water is added. The main action of use is mucilage. It soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and was traditionally used internally for soothing sore throats and tonsillitis, coughs, dryness of the lungs and digestive upsets, and externally for healing wounds and other skin inflammations.

Can be used for colitis, peptic ulcer, gastritis, diarrhoea and as a added treatment for respiratory and urinary tract problems. Slippery Elm also be used as a bulking laxative. Because it is gentle and easily digested, it is well tolerated by people with gastritis and other forms of intestinal problems.

Use externally as a poultice for boils, ulcers, burns and wounds. Internal dose: 1tsp – 1tbsp of slippery elm powder to 10x the amount of water. Add a little water at a time mixing well, to avoid lumps. Poultice: Add boiling water to slippery elm powder to a thick paste.

Actions

Demulcent (mucilage), Emollient (mucilage), Nutrient

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.